Chapter 60
Ace
The clink of ice against glass echoed through the room as Dad poured his favorite brand, settling into his customary seat and regarding me over the rim as he took a slow sip, as though sizing me up.
"How have you been, Ace?" he inquired.
"Better than you'd imagine," I replied, loosening my bowtie and shedding my blazer. Rolling up my sleeves, I took the seat opposite him.
"Whiskey?" he offered.
"I'm good," I declined, and a brief silence fell between us. It had taken me a while to cultivate this level of patience.
In a neutral tone, I ventured, "Care to shed some light on why you invited the Blanchards to tonight's gathering?"
He smirked, savoring another sip before responding, "Seems the tables have turned. You've never been forthcoming about your plans and maneuver
